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Becoming an Instrument Pilot

There's an old saying in aviation: "Time to spare? Go by air!" While flying is fun, it take a lot of effort to turn in into an effective means of transportation. The first thing you'll need to do is become Instrument Rated.

What can an Instrument Pilot do?

An instrument pilot is permitted to fly under Instrument Flight Rules, or IFR. While a pilot operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is required to maintain certain cloud clearances, a pilot operating under IFR can fly through clouds. (Most airline, charter and corporate jet always fly under IFR.)

What does this mean? This means that you aren't grounded just because it's cloudy. Of course, there are other weather events that might ground you... such as thunderstorms or icing.

What are the Requirements for an Instrument Pilot?

The actual regulations regarding what it takes to become a Instrument Pilot in airplanes are written by the FAA in 14 CFR Part 61. However, we'll attempt to summarize these requirements here.

1. Hold at least a Private Pilot certificate.
2. Be qualified, in the eyes of the TSA, to receive flight training. For more information, click here.
3. Be able to read speak and write the English language (with certain exceptions for medical conditions).

4. Recommended Reading Some recommended reading for Instrument Students and Instrument Pilots: 14 CFR Part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors 14 CFR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules. AC 00-6A Aviation Weather AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Services AC 61-23C Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge AC 61-27C Instrument Flying Handbook AIM Aeronautical Information Manual Instrument Oral Exam Guide Instrument Practical Test Standards

   Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor, or complete a home study course.
5. Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you are prepared to take a knowledge test.
6. Receive flight instruction from an authorized instructor.
7. Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you are prepared to take the required practical test.
8. Have at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (at least 10 of which is in airplanes for an instrument rating.)
9. Have a least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time.
10. Have at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought.
11. Have at least 3 hours of flight test preparation (must be within 60 days of the checkride).
12. Complete a 250nm cross country under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) involving an instrument approach at each airport, and at least three different kinds of instrument approaches.
13. Pass the required knowledge test.
14. Pass the checkride.

More questions? Read the FAQ!

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